White House's Sullivan discusses Gaza war with Saudi crown prince

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan (pictured) met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia yesterday to discuss efforts to create a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the White House said.

They also discussed the humanitarian response in Gaza, including how to increase the flow of critical aid to the Palestinian enclave, as well as a range of bilateral issues, the White House said in a statement.

Mr Sullivan will travel to Israel today and hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli war cabinet today and tomorrow.

US negotiations aimed at reaching a deal normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia were halted by the Gaza-based Hamas militant group's 7 October attack.

All sides have said they want to resurrect the deal when the time is right.

US officials said Sullivan would also discuss with the Saudis efforts to deter ongoing Houthi attacks against international commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that during his visit to Israel Sullivan would discuss with the Israelis the need for more surgical and precise strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza.